Boat sold today, on EBAY?!?

cjmcfall · #1 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008

I had my boat (Ericson 29) for sale for a little while now craigslist, sailingtexas, and sailboatlistings. I had gotten a lot of calls but no real bites, so I decided to put her up on EBAY. Today she sold at my buy-it-now price. Although I have not received the cash, I did get the down payment put in my paypal account immediately at the end of the auction. Ebay isn't for everyone, but it worked great for me. I have sold three other, smaller boats on there before with out a hick up. I hope this one goes as smoothly.

Who else here has sold boats or other big ticket items on ebay?

Time to start looking for my new baby!!

eherlihy · #2 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008

I sold my motorcycle, 1995 Kawasaki GPz1100, in 2002. Then in 2003. I purchased my current ride, a 2002 Honda ST1100. Both transactions went smoothly with honest people.

Schuckerman · #3 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008

What were the fees? How are they determined on a boat?

cjmcfall · #4 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008

The fees were not really that bad. I ended up posting 7-8 pictures, adding a buy-it-now price, and a bunch of other options. The total was only around $34 dollars. I don't think I would try to sell a boat without pictures and some of the other ebay options though, but I am sure I could have added more expensive sales gimmicks.

uspirate · #5 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008

sold my Sunfish on ebay starting price was $9.99, sold for $1,008. guy drove in from California to pick it up and paid me in cash. very smooth. i think my fee was around $80.

sanctuarysam · #6 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by eherlihy

I sold my motorcycle, 1995 Kawasaki GPz1100, in 2002. Then in 2003. I purchased my current ride, a 2002 Honda ST1100. Both transactions went smoothly with honest people.

hmm..maybe time to step up to a real scooter..maybe a harley...

(i know..ride what you like, and like what you ride..)
'03 FXD here

brak · #7 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008

I sold two boats on ebay so far. Both went reasonably well. This probably owes to the fact that they were relatively inexpensive (the second one not so much, but still) and I maintain them in top notch condition (so they were excellent value). That said, I did see lots and lots of junk for sale on ebay and I know that many of those transactions fail when buyer arrives to take a look at or possession of his new vessel and finds it to be, err, not entirely as good as the seller claimed it to be. And sometimes the boat is ok, but a shifty seller that is not entirely honest kills his own deal. And sometimes a flaky buyer. Anything can happen.

teshannon · #8 (**permalink**) 04-23-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjmcfall

The fees were not really that bad. I ended up posting 7-8 pictures, adding a buy-it-now price, and a bunch of other options. The total was only around $34 dollars. I don't think I would try to sell a boat without pictures and some of the other ebay options though, but I am sure I could have added more expensive sales gimmicks.

The $34 was the listing fee. You'll pay a fee on top of that because it sold.

cjmcfall · #9 (**permalink**) 04-23-2008

Any idea of how much? My ebay and paypal account still only show the listing fee. Thanks

teshannon · #10 (**permalink**) 04-23-2008

They charge you, based on the final selling price, 8.75% of the first $25, 3.5% from $25 to $1,000, and 1.5% for everything above $1,000. I don't remember when it shows up but you'll see it in the montly statement. BTW, Paypal charges a hefty fee, something around 4%. It's a secure and quick way of being paid but you can save that fee if you can get a certified check.